The seven tenets of Bushido are rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, loyalty and honour. One has to wonder what in heaven's name the Japanese commander was thinking when he probed the Austrailian positions with what amounted to a superior force and just walked away (see the scenario description and summary. It is hard to square that with the normal Japanese navy's approach to such actions early in the war.

This is the first of three similar scenarios all linked to the same action at Milne Bay. The Japanese have landed and are preparing to move inland. They have sent a company of SNLF troops to probe for Austrailian forces and have found a company of them defending a village. The goal is to push down the trail and get to the village. Not surprisingly, the Austrailians are charged with stopping the Japanese.

Helping the Japanese are a couple type 95 tanks. Useless, by and large but they do give a little extra firepower.

There are two ways to get to the village, straight up the trail or along the coast line (which is actually clear terrain, something missing otherwise on this map). The Japanese in my play use both routes, sending two platoons and the tanks along the coast and one platoon along the trail. With the morale differential and Japanese infantry bonus, the platoon along the trail does surprisingly well and the group along the coastline has the firepower to do well and both reach the village, wrapping up a victory.

In reality the Japanese found the Austailian position, took a couple pot shots and went back to report.

A very straightforward and small scenario which can orient you to the terrain and relative strengths of the two forces.